Veteran cops announce retirements

The Canton Police Department will say goodbye to two of its lieutenants next week, as the men retire from long-standing careers with the department.

In their current positions, both serve as platoon commanders in the patrol division, overseeing the daily operations of their assigned shifts made up of sergeants and patrol officers.

David Schreiner was hired as a Canton Police Officer in 1987. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2001, and lieutenant in 2013. Schreiner earned his bachelor's degree from Ferris State University and his master's degree from Eastern Michigan University. He is also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University's Police Staff & Command School.

During his 27-year career with the department, Schreiner spent 12 years assigned to the department's Detective Bureau, seven years as a detective and five as the supervising sergeant, investigating and overseeing countless felony cases. Most notably, he investigated a criminal sexual conduct case that was featured on America's Most Wanted.

Schreiner also served numerous terms as union president for both the police and command officers unions.

Mark Gajeski was hired as a Canton Police Officer in 1986. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2006 and to lieutenant earlier this year. Gajeski earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Ferris State University, and is also a graduate of Eastern Michigan University's Police Staff & Command School.

During his 28-year career with the department, Gajeski served 22 years on the Western-Wayne Special Operations Team. As a member of this elite SWAT unit, he specialized in chemical munitions and explosive breaching. He was promoted through the unit from team leader to senior team leader, to executive officer, serving as second in command of a multi-jurisdictional unit.

"The department is losing a tremendous amount of skill and knowledge with the retirement of these two individuals," said Public Safety Director Todd Mutchler. "Their careers with Canton took them down two diverse paths, with both men excelling in their respective specialty of choice – Lieutenant Gajeski's being special operations, and Lieutenant Schreiner's being criminal investigations. They both have done an outstanding job of mentoring officers in their fields of specialty, setting the department up for continued success in their absence," Mutchler added. "I wish them both the best in their future endeavors."